Galway United's wretched SSE Airtricity League first division campaign was finally ended at Tolka Park on Saturday evening as Shelbourne cruised to a commanding 3-0 win over the Tribesmen.
In 27 matches United only registered a paltry 10 wins, ensuring a sixth place finish which was a disappointing return considering the experienced squad assembled at the start of the season.
One of the few sources of optimism, though, is how recently installed manager Alan Murphy opted to introduce young local talent into the first team set-up. Murphy, who also remains in charge of a well-organised United U17 outfit, is encouraged about the potential of Adam Rooney, Evan Murphy, Donal Higgins, Dara Costelloe, Wilson Waweru, and Colin Kelly.
That so many teenagers featured for the club during the past month supplies a small sliver of hope, but in an overall context the year was one of the worst in decades on the pitch.
United's three underage teams are all in action this weekend with Murphy's U17s hosting Wexford FC in the Southern Elite Division at Castle Park on Saturday afternoon (2pm ).
It is an important encounter for the Tribesmen, who will secure a top four finish to earn a play-off spot by avoiding defeat.
Colin Kelly has been a prolific goalscorer at this level, netting 23 goals in 19 League matches, while midfielder Higgins is also viewed as a significant prospect. Dara Costelloe (15 ) is another to have sampled action in the first division, so Murphy will be eager to ensure a promising squad can finish strongly.
United's U19s, managed by Nigel Keady, are away to Wexford at Ferrycarrig Park on Sunday.
Several of this squad have also been involved for the first team and will be intent on defeating Wexford, who have only picked up one win in this competition from 17 fixtures.
Martin Devlin's U15s were soundly beaten by Bray Wanderers last weekend and face a demanding task away to a gifted St Patrick's Athletic collection at Richmond Park on Saturday.
The Galway United Friends Co-Operative is preparing for a fundraiser in conjunction with Hand in Hand, a children's charity based in Oranmore. The launch takes place at McGinns Hop House, Woodquay this evening. On Sunday October 7 starting at 9am supporters will push United's kit van the distance of a 26 mile marathon, starting out at Eamonn Deacy Park before going to Claregalway, Carnmore, Oranmore, Salthill and back into the city centre.
